SPECIAL REPORTS

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 6, 1 July 1946, Page 6

SPECIAL REPORTS

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY NORTH BRIGHTON

On April Otli, the North Brighton Union celebrated its twentieth Anniversary'. The Youth Hall at the Baptist Church was gay with autumn flowers and foliage tor the occasion. Mrs. Noonan presided, and Mrs. Mcllwraith led tlie Devotions. Mrs. Goldman was hostess. Several wellknown choruses were sung. Mrs. Mackie, Dominion Peace Superintendent, presented a twenty years’ service badge to Mrs. Noonan. Mrs. Black, North Canterbury District Secretary, then presented one to Mrs. Goring. Songs were sung by Mrs. Crowley, and Mrs. Middleton contributed recitations which were very much appreciated. The Berwick Street Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild gave a most enjoyable play. A birthday cake, decorated by Mr. J. Compton, was then cut by the two oldest members, Mrs. Felton and Mrs. Gadd

Representatives of Christchurch and suburban Unions brought greetings; and each one was asked to cut a slice of cake. Members served afternoon tea. after which the Temperance Doxologv wa> sung.

CRADLE ROLL PARTY MASTERTON UNION The Masterton Union had a busy time when they gave a party for the children of the Cradle Roll and their mothers. A happy two hours was spent in games before tea was served. Miss Appleby spoke to the mothers on the spirit of Motherhood. “The influence of a good home can never be estimated,” she said, “especially when that influence safeguards against intemperance by wise guidance, and knowledge of social evils caused by indulgence in liquor.’ Miss Appleby was heartdy thanked tor her address. Ail the children received sweets and a gift. \t 7 o’clock, films were shown by Miss \pplebv, when some older children also attended, twelve of whom signed the pledge. Everyone voted the party a great success.

PEACE INTERCESSION MEETING OXFORD On Wednesday, May 15th, the Oxford Union met for a service of Intercession for Peace among the nations. The President welcomed Mrs. Hiett, saving that all present were thrilled at having the former Dominion President at the meeting. Mrs. Hiett spoke biieflv, outlining plans of work, and urging all to do their utmost for the cause.

Members joined in prayers of thanksgiving that the war had ended, and intercession for real peace, that sympathy and understanding might succeed the unrest, suspicion and fear now prevalent.

OAMARU Informative and Helpful Talk by the Hon. Mr. Nordmeyer, Minister of Health At a special meeting at Oamaru recently the Hon. Mr. Nordmeyer, Minister of Health, was the speaker. Mrs. Winn presided. After speaking of the matter of Family Benefits, the banning of obscene hooks, the speaker dealt at some length with the position in New Zealand regarding the liquor traffic, instancing various measures taken to lessen the consumption of alcoholic liquors. The Licensing Commission had focused the light of public opinion on the Drink Traffic in the Dominion. People all over the country had their eyes opened to the doings of the liquor interest. Efforts had been made to have the hours of sale lengthened. Although the Prohibition vote had gone hack (?), the fact remained that a town without the hotel bar was a cleaner and better place than the town with open bars. Dealing with the position of Oamaru as a No-License area, the speaker gave a timely warning hv saying that Temperance people could not afford to take things lightly, eUe they might lose the great benefit of Nq-License by neglect.

Mr. Nordmeyer was glad to know that the Band of Hope was functioning; and sj)oke very emphatically of the value of early training in Temperance principles. Opinions formed in youth and childhood had a great hearing on the future. “Public opinion brings about Parliamentary reforms, and it is only if Christian people do their part that they can expect the best results.” was the concluding note of this address.* A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker, and a cup of tea brought the meeting to a close.

SOCIAL EVENING MOTHERS’ DAY OBSERVED Oamaru’s May meeting took the form of a social evening, in which “Mothers’ Day” was observed. Mrs. Winn presided over a good attendance of members and friends. Mrs. Winn appealed for more helpers in the work, especially in Band of Hope work. Mrs. Tonkin gave a happy talk on Mothers and the need to train children in right principles, and also urged all church-women to vote for No-Lrcense for Oamaru. \ complaint sent to the local Railway authorities regarding drink c.n the slow tiain had been replied to, and a serious view of the matter was expressed. A delightful programme was given of vocal and instrumental items There was a good result from a Sales Table and a canvass of fricnd> who cannot often attend. Miss Clark proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all helpers in the very successful evening, and supper, followed by the Benediction, brought the meeting to a close.

L.T.L. MOTHERS’ PARTY LOWER HUTT

On the Saturday before “Mothers’ Day” a party was held at the home of Mrs. Spencer, to which the L.T.L. mothers were invited. Mr. J. W. Lopdell spoke on Temperance, and showed the effects of alcohol on the body, using diagrams. The L.T.L. was invited to Wellington Central meeting, where hey entertained that Union.

A great deal of work has gone into this, but the children of this L.T.L. sit for the Temperance Exams a-, well. The idea of having-even a small group of children n the home of a member for the L.T.L. work is commended for the consideration of other Unions, it has proved highly successful in the hands of Mrs. Spencer oi this Union.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the L.T.L., and the ineetini: closed with the Benediction.

SIXTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CHRISTCHURCH To celebrate our sixty-first birthday an afternoon Social was held on May 22nd, Miss C. Henderson presiding, and welcoming delegates from suburban Unions. Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Oxford were also represented. A special welcome was also given to our senior members, Mesdames Judkins and Patchett, who have recently celebrated their ninety-fourth and ninetieth birthdays respect’vely. A programme arranged by Mrs. E. Wood was presented by Mesdames Stewart and Harris, who gave vocal solos, and Mr. Ford, who gave recitations. Mrs. Ford was the accompanist. Invitations were received from Papanui, New Brighton, Spreydon and Riccarton Unions. Our President gave some interesting reminiscences of pioneer days in our Union. The afternoon was greatly enjoyed by all.